In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

🐕🐩🍻 HSCO Pup Crawl

🎣🚙Gear Up for Adventure at the 2025 Central Oregon Sportsman's Show

📅Save The Date Section

🍀🍺🥃Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Bend and Redmond

🎷🎸🎶2025 Prineville Follies Set for March 21-22

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

⚡Power Outage Affects 6,000 in East and Southeast Bend

📰Missing Redmond Man Found Deceased Near Highway 126

🌊 Juniper Swim and Fitness plans $7 million upgrade to outdoor pool with retractable roof

📰The Bend City Council approved the Ponderosa Master Plan

🧵Joann closing sales in full swing: What to know about deals and more

📰Regional News

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥⛑️Fire & Rescue News

⛑Rescue Effort Saves Driver After Vehicle Crashes Into McKenzie River

🔥Redmond Firefighters Battle Structure Fire on NE Oneil Way

🔥Oily rags blamed for warehouse fire near Sisters that threatened huge propane tank

🚨Crime News

🚨💵 Redmond Police report rise in counterfeit money incidents, 3 arrests since January

📰Community News

🕗 Daylight Savings Time!

Have some news or know of news for our Community News Segment - share it with C.O. Local Buzz

🏘Real Estate News

🏘📈Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

😁 MEME of the Day

B) It was named after Charles William Boyd, a pioneering cattle rancher.

Expanded Answer:
Boyd Acres was named after Charles William Boyd, an early cattle rancher who arrived in Central Oregon in 1904. He initially purchased six acres along the Deschutes River and expanded his ranch to 600 acres, playing a key role in the area’s early development. The Boyd Homestead, one of the region's oldest standing structures, remains a testament to his legacy. Today, the Boyd Acres neighborhood has evolved from its ranching roots into a vibrant residential community with parks, trails, and modern amenities while still reflecting its historical significance.

Good Morning!

BEND

SANTIAM PASS WEATHER

GOVERNMENT CAMP WEATHER

WILLAMETTE PASS WEATHER

What’s Up Central Oregon?

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is hosting its 13th Annual Pup Crawl throughout March 2025, offering a delightful blend of community engagement, craft beverages, and support for local animals in need. This cherished event invites residents and their canine companions to gather at various local breweries, with all proceeds directly benefiting HSCO's mission to care for and advocate for animals in Central Oregon.

Event Details:

• Dates & Times: The Pup Crawl occurs every Friday and Saturday evening in March, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

• Locations:

  • Saturday, March 1: Monkless Belgian Ales

  • Friday, March 7: Van Henion Brewing and Bridge 99 (4:30 – 6:30 PM)

  • Saturday, March 8: Bend Brewing

  • Friday, March 14: Crux Fermentation Project

  • Saturday, March 15: Worthy Brewing

  • Friday, March 21: Bevel Craft Brewing

  • Saturday, March 22: Wild Ride Brewing in Redmond

  • Friday, March 28: Sunriver Brewing in Sunriver, Bend Eastside, and Galveston pubs

  • Saturday, March 29: Boneyard Pub

Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, and attendees can enjoy their favorite craft beverages while supporting a worthy cause.

Participation Details:

During each Pup Crawl night, attendees can purchase exclusive HSCO merchandise:

• Logo Pint Glass & One Beverage: $15

• Logo Glass & One Beverage at Three Different Pup Crawl Nights: $30

• Logo Beanie Hat: $20

• Logo Beanie & One Beverage: $30

Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Bend Pet Express and Bend Studio, 100% of the proceeds from these sales directly support HSCO's efforts.

Special Highlights:

This year's Pup Crawl features a new logo designed by Clara Smith, a local Bend artist. Her winning design, inspired by her playful dogs and their love for treats, will be showcased on the Pup Crawl pint glasses, beanies, and promotional materials. Smith expressed her gratitude towards HSCO, having adopted her Australian Cattle Dog, Colt, from the organization five years ago.

About HSCO:

Established in 1961, the Humane Society of Central Oregon is dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond by compassionately caring for animals and advocating on their behalf. As a socially conscious shelter, HSCO collaborates with community partners to provide resources and services aimed at improving the welfare of all vulnerable animals in the region.

Join the Fun:

The Pup Crawl is a fantastic opportunity for community members to come together, enjoy local brews, and make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the event, HSCO welcomes all to participate and celebrate the spirit of community and compassion.

For more information and updates, visit HSCO's official website or their social media channels.

Gear Up for Adventure at the 2025 Central Oregon Sportsman's Show

The Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show is set to take place from March 6 to 9, 2025, at the First Interstate Bank Center and Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. This annual event brings together over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation products and services.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions, including the popular Kids Free Trout Pond, where children 12 and under can fish for free, and the Head and Horns Competition, which has logged thousands of entries since its inception. The show also features a huge RV sale, boat sale, and a series of informative seminars led by experts like Randy Newberg, known for his insights on public lands access and hunting education.

Admission prices are $15 for adults, $5 for juniors aged 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and under. Military personnel with valid ID can attend for $8, and a two-day pass is available for $20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

Coming up - Save the Date

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Bend and Redmond

Hydro Flask St. Patrick's Day Dash

Location: Deschutes Brewery, 901 SW Simpson Ave, Bend, OR 97702
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Description: This family-friendly event offers 10K, 5K, and 1.3-mile courses along the scenic Deschutes River. Participants are encouraged to wear festive green attire, with prizes for best costumes. The Post-Dash Bash features live music, food vendors, and local craft beer.
Link: https://cascaderelays.com/events/st-patricks-day-dash/

 St. Patrick's Day Celebration at McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Location: 700 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, and Monday, March 17, 2025; various times
Description: Enjoy multiple days of festivities, including live music from bands like Hillstomp and The Ballybogs, roaming performances by the Cascade Highlanders Pipe Band, and special Irish food and drink offerings.

 The Official Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl

Location: Starting at JC's Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025; time to be announced
Description: Join fellow revelers in this festive bar crawl, featuring multiple stops and drink specials at participating bars throughout Bend.

 St. Paddy's Day Shenanigans in Redmond

Location: Various participating businesses in Redmond, OR
Date & Time: Monday, March 17, 2025; times vary by location
Description: Participating businesses in Redmond will offer unique beverages and festivities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. More info Here
 

 Shamrockin' Good Time at BrightSide Animal Center

Location: 1355 NE Hemlock Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Description: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with adoptable pets, live music, food, and family-friendly activities at the BrightSide Animal Center.
 

Please check the provided links for the most up-to-date information and ticket availability.

2025 Prineville Follies Set for March 21-22

The 48th annual Prineville Follies, a beloved community talent showcase, will take place on March 21-22 at Crook County High School. Hosted by the Prineville Music and Theater Boosters, the event features a pre-show at 6 p.m. and performances starting at 7 p.m. in the Eugene Southwell Auditorium. This year’s theme, Under the Neon, embraces a nostalgic 1920s vaudeville and jazz style, with acts including jazz ensembles, piano duets, tap and lyrical dancing, and vocal performances.

At least 27 acts are scheduled, along with fundraising efforts such as a live auction featuring handmade quilts, a fly rod, and a tabletop bar. Raffle tickets for gift baskets will also be available. Proceeds support scholarships for band, choir, and drama students, as well as funding for music and theater program needs.

Tickets are available at Coldwell Banker Sun Country Realty, Prineville Men’s Wear, and at the door. Organizers recommend arriving early to secure seats and enjoy the pre-show jazz band performance.

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Local News…

Power Outage Affects 6,000 in East and Southeast Bend

BEND, Ore. – Thousands of residents in east and southeast Bend woke up without power early this morning due to a large outage that affected more than 5,000 customers. Power went out at approximately 5 a.m., leaving homes and businesses in the dark.

Utility crews responded quickly, working to determine the cause of the outage. By 7 a.m., power had been restored to most of East Bend, though areas in Southeast Bend remained out of power.

According to an update from the utility provider, the outage was caused by failed equipment in southeast Bend. Crews worked throughout the early morning. Full restoration to the affected areas will be completed by approximately 11 a.m.

Residents affected by the outage were urged to check their appliances and reset their clocks after power was restored. The utility provider thanked customers for their patience as crews worked to fix the issue.

Missing Redmond Man Found Deceased Near Highway 126

Redmond, OR – March 6, 2025 – A search effort for missing Redmond resident Malecai Sloan-Ramsey ended tragically on March 5 when authorities located his body near Buckhorn Road and Highway 126, just outside of Redmond.

Sloan-Ramsey was reported missing to the Redmond Police Department (RPD) on January 23, prompting an extensive search effort. On Wednesday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), along with Deschutes County Search and Rescue, coordinated efforts to locate him.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has launched a death investigation but has stated that there is no known threat to public safety related to the case. Any further updates will come from DCSO as the investigation continues.

RPD expressed gratitude to the community for sharing social media tips, as well as to DCSO and Search and Rescue teams for their efforts in the search.

 Juniper Swim and Fitness plans $7 million upgrade to outdoor pool with retractable roof

Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) is moving forward with a $7 million plan to replace the aging cover at Juniper Pool with a new retractable roof. The upgrade will allow the pool to remain open year-round, with the roof retracting for open-air swimming in the summer and fully enclosing the facility in winter. The design will provide a balance of sunlight and shade while also improving air quality, particularly on smoky days when the roof can be closed in minutes. The project is set to begin its design phase this fall, with construction expected to be completed by spring 2027. While the cost is higher than anticipated, BPRD believes the new structure will have greater longevity than the current 25-year-old cover. Pool schedules will be adjusted during construction to minimize disruptions.

The Bend City Council approved the Ponderosa Master Plan, a 42-acre housing project on the south end of the city that's adding 371 units, including affordable homes and fire-safe measures.

Full Story Here

Joann closing sales in full swing: What to know about deals and more

Everything at Joann stores, including fabric, crafts and more, must go.

More than 800 locations across the country -- including Bend and Redmond -- are currently conducting going-out-of-business sales, offering customers "special prices" on all items, before completely shuttering operations.

The Hudson, Ohio-based retailer, which has been in business for over 80 years, was struggling to make a comeback after facing financial and inventory issues. The fabric and craft retailer even filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice in the last year to help pay off debts.

Joann's remaining assets were put up for auction and sold to a new ownership group in late February after the second bankruptcy filing.

Here's everything to know about Joann's going-out-of-business sales, including how long the sales are expected to last and the deals you might find.

When are Joann stores closing?

All Joann locations −more than 800 stores across the country − are set to close this spring after conducting going-out-of-business sales at each location.

Most of the closing Joann stores are expected to remain open until the end of May, Scott Carpenter, CEO of GA Group's Retail Solutions and Wholesale & Industrial Solutions teams, recently told the Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Joann had previously announced the closures of "approximately 500" stores before the retailer's remaining assets were auctioned off to retail liquidator GA Group and Joann's term lenders last week.

How do Joann store closures impact customers?

Customers will be able to continue to shop Joann products in-store, online, or through the Joann mobile app. All three of Joann's commerce platforms will remain open and in-operation as the company facilitates going-out-of-business sales.

Dates for store closures or changes to the website and app will be communicated as soon as possible, according to Joann.

Joann stores will not accept personalized discounts, discount partnerships, or returns. 

When did Joann's going-out-of-business sales start? How long will they last?

Joann's going-out-of-business sales began on Feb. 15 and are expected to continue through the next few months.

The fabric and craft retailer was set to begin, or "in some cases continue" clearance sales at all locations "immediately" following the court's approval of the sale transaction, which happened last week.

Only inventory that's available on-site, including yarn and home decorations, are part of the closing sales, Joann said in a news release. Details about specific discounts, or percentages vary by location. All sales are final and limited exclusions apply.

What deals can you expect at Joann's going-out-of-business sales?

Base discounts range between 10-20% at various Joann stores, with some Christmas items being discounted as high as 75%, according to multiple Joann stores contacted by USA TODAY last week.

Specific deals vary by location. But to give you a sense of what to expect, here are some of the discounts found at a closing Joann location in Stockton, California, according to reporting by The Stockton Record, part of the USA TODAY Network:

• Holiday floral is 70% off

• Candles and accessories are 20% off

• Cotton canvas is 25% off

• Food crafting is 10% off

• Siser vinyl is 20% off

• Circuit-cutting materials are 20% off

• Licensed fabrics are 20% off

• Blizzard fleece are 30% off

• Spray paint is 10 % off

Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY; Angelaydet Rocha, Stockton Record; Travis Pittman, Central Oregon Daily News

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joann closing sales in full swing at stores across America: What to know about deals and more

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

 City of Bend Events

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

Redmond Police report rise in counterfeit money incidents, 3 arrests since January

Central Oregon Daily News

REDMOND, Ore. -- There's been a rise in funny money -- counterfeit bills -- making their way through Redmond.

"From the first quarter of January, we've had a slight increase in counterfeit bills from last quarter," said Redmond Police Lt. April Huey.

There have been eight counterfeit money incidents this year, Huey said. Three people have been arrested.

Several people on social media are making claims about their encounters with these impostors.

Huey said counterfeit money usually comes in waves. There was a similar increase in attempts to pass fake bills last year.

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"I think it's important for businesses to train their employees on how to identify counterfeit bills," said Huey. "As citizens, when you receive money or cash back, especially from private citizens, businesses too. But just make sure if that's crumpled, and make sure you take the time to straighten that bill out. Really look at it and look for those key indicators of what counterfeit is and what legal tender that marks have on it."

The problem has been less dramatic in Bend. Police there say retailers are getting hit with a few fake bills and many five-finger discounts. 

"Counterfeit bills, we see them here and there," said Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller. "I think in the last couple of weeks, we've gotten calls from businesses who've had them passed twice. So it's definitely an issue for us. The larger issue is shoplifting, just not even trying to pay, whether with a fake bill or a real bill."

Miller said police have had more than a dozen shoplifting incidents just this week, costing a store anywhere from $5 to thousands.

In response, Bend Police, Redmond Police and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office, are hosting a series of Retailer Listening Sessions in response to the rise in Organized Retail Theft.

"So that could be an opportunity to if they're seeing counterfeit bills being passed, that's something they would want to know about as well," Miller said.

Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp said his office is not seeing a real trend in the passing of counterfeit money. Prineville Police said it had an uptick in June, but has not seen an increase since.

Summit Bank is Redmond shared the tools they use to make sure your money is legit.

"Though Summit Bank hasn't seen a rise in counterfeit bills or checks at any of our locations, we remain on alert," Summit Bank Senior Vice President Jill Cummings said. "Our colleagues employ ultraviolet detectors, specialized currency counters with built-in checks, watermark verification, advanced scanning tools, and routine training to spot and halt any suspicious activity quickly. We also provide these security/counterfeit bill training to our clients who deal with high cash volumes. There is no current trend indicating a rise in counterfeit currency."

While the first call should be to local law enforcement, the Secret Service has jurisdiction over counterfeiting investigations. They also list quick ways to spot fake money, from paper, portraits, ink and other obvious giveaways. 

The federal government and state governments can prosecute those who use counterfeit money. 

Federal penalties:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison.

• Fines of up to $250,000.

• Fines that are double the amount of the financial gain or loss from the crime

How to report counterfeit money:

• You can report counterfeit money to your local police department, bank, or the Secret Service.

• You can complete a Counterfeit Note Report on the Secret Service website.

• You can contact your local U.S. Secret Service field office. 

In Oregon, the fine for shoplifting can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the value of the stolen items and the circumstances of the theft. 

Theft penalties:

• Third-degree theft: The lowest-level theft offense, with a fine of up to $1,250 and up to 30 days in jail. 

• Second-degree theft: A fine of up to $6,250 and up to one year in jail. 

• First-degree theft: A fine of up to $125,000 and up to five years in jail. 

• Aggravated theft: A fine of up to $250,000 and up to ten years in jail.

Community News…

Daylight Savings Time Starts SUNDAY!

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